WATER LANGUAGE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE URBAN WATER CYCLE

Water is a reusable resource. We need to keep this idea in mind as we move forward in the water industry.
Wastewater is water wasted. There is an industry trend to change our terminology to change minds.
It is a good one.

1. Research and practice tells us that words, images and concepts matter.
2. New water reuse research gives us core principles to communicate more effectively (WRF 07-03, WRF 09-01).
3. We need to use these principles to evolve a realtively consistent terminology to use with outselves and particularly with the public
4. IWA wants to continue the conversation to achieve a consistent worldwide terminology at the WWC.

The diagram below is an illustration of how water flows back in a continuous loop of use and reuse. Do our words match? Please select the words below you think are the most understandable. Remember we are creating a vernacular that is for the community AND for the water industry.

Question Title

* 1. Preferred name used for "Source Water"

Source water

Raw water

Ground water

Dam, reservoir, lake water

River water

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 2. Preferred name used for "Ground Water"

Ground water

Aquifer water

Well water

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 3. Preferred name used for"Surface Water"

Surface water

River and lake water

Raw water reservoir

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 4. Preferred name used for "Brackish Water"

Brackish water

Partly saline water

Estuary water -- saline ground water

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 5. Preferred name used for "Sea Water"

Sea water

Saline water

Salt water

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 6. Preferred name used for "Rain water "

Rain Water

Percipitation water

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 7. Preferred name used for "Source Water Treatment"

Source water treatment

Drinking and industrial water treatment

Drinking water treatment

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 8. Preferred name used for "Treated Water"

Treated water

Finished water

Cleaned water

Drinking water

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 9. Preferred name used for "Water Use"

Water use

Water application

Consumption and non-consumptive uses

Municipal and Industrial Uses

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 10. Preferred name used for "Used Water"

Used water

Influent

Sewage

Waste water

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 11. Preferred name used for "Used Water Treatment"

Used water treatment

Water renovation plant

Water resource recovery plant

Clean water plant

New water treatment

Waste water treatment

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 12. Preferred name used for "Treated Water for Applications"

Treated Water for Applicaitons

New Water

Renewed Water

Renovated Water

Fit for purpose water

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 13. Preferred name used for "Drinking Water"

Drinking Water

Grade A Water or 5 Star Water

Municipal Water

Potable Water

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 14. Preferred name used for "Other Household Water"

Other Household Water

Wash Water

Grade B Water

Greywater

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 15. Preferred name used for "Industrial Water"

Industrial Water

Grade A-E Water

Purer than drinking water for high tech applications (6 star water)

Fit for purpose water (4 star water)

Non-potable industrial water

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 16. Preferred name used for "Water for Agriculture"

Water for Agriculture

Grade B-E

Irrigation water

Fit for purpose water

Agricultural Water

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 17. Preferred name used for "Water for Fish"

Water for Fish

Environmental Water

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 18. Preferred name used for "Water for Release"

Water for Release

Water for the Environment

Water for safe return to the environment.

Other (please specify)